Robert Jenal to retire as executive vice chancellor, administration and finance

UMass Medical School Communications

June 12, 2017

Robert E. Jenal

After a career at UMass Medical School spanning nearly 30 years, Robert E. Jenal will retire from his role as executive vice chancellor for administration and finance at the end of June.

“It would be difficult to overstate the positive impact of Bob’s role on our operations and our financial success, which in turn have been crucial to the growth of our campus, the growth of Commonwealth Medicine and MassBiologics, and our influence within the university system and across the state,” said Chancellor Michael F. Collins in making the announcement.

“During Bob’s tenure, all of the financial, reporting, forecasting and budget systems that we depend on to do our work were created, improved, integrated and modernized; he played a key role during the separation of the clinical system and group practice finances from the university as a consequence of the merger legislation; and the financing plans for the façade replacement project, the Aaron Lazare Research Building, the Ambulatory Care Center, the Albert Sherman Center and the acquisition of the UMass Medicine Science Park were overseen by Bob as well,” said Chancellor Collins.

Jenal joined the Medical School from the budget office at UMass Amherst in 1989, as director of budget and planning. He rose through a series of increasingly responsible positions in finance, operations and administration before being appointed executive vice chancellor in 2011. In addition to responsibilities for financial reporting, planning and forecasting, Jenal’s operational roles include oversite of campus services, public safety, facilities, information technology, environmental health and emergency management.

“As a colleague, a contributor, a sounding board and a friend, we have all benefitted significantly from his uniquely important role here and will miss him greatly,” said Collins.

John Lindstedt, associate vice chancellor for administration and finance, will be named executive vice chancellor for administration and finance.

A reception to honor Jenal and thank him for his service will take place on June 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Faculty Conference Room.

“I must reiterate the deep appreciation for the incalculable contributions made by Bob to the success of the Medical School, the growth of our research and business enterprise, the reach of our graduates and the rock solid stability of our campus for the next generation,” concluded Collins.